The Metro Jets are a Tier III Junior A hockey team based in Waterford, Mich., now in their 25th season of operation and fourth in the NA3HL. The Jets, national Junior B champs in 2002, play their home games at Lakeland Arena. This blog will follow the Jets through their 48-game NA3HL season and league playoffs.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Each week, Metro Jets captain Mike Corder will chime in on the previous weekend, the weekend ahead and the current situation of the team.

-- On going 1-3 at the CSHL Showcase and accepting responsibility for the three losses.

As a team, we were too relaxed. We also did not play deserate enough in our own end and we spent too much time in the box. As captain, I definitely feel the majority of the responsibility. I felt that we were ready for the grind coming into the four games. I thought that getting the first win set the tone and maybe we let up a little. Maybe we were overconfident and just couldn't shake the first loss to Peoria. We came out flat in that game and got behind quick. Then it seemed like we couldn't put it back together the rest of the weekend. The showcase is behind us and we need to let it go and we need to focus on Chicago this weekend.

-- On regrouping for this weekend's home series against Chicago.

Chicago is going to be the toughest hockey we have played to date. Chicago is a talented and fast team. We need to win every shift and outwork them. When we do that, the rest should pan out. Everyone needs to do their job out there every shift. We need to play Coach Cirone's style of game. This weekend will be a great test.

-- On making it his business to getting the players focused on the season and not worrying about the showcase.

Like I said, the past is the past. The showcase is done and we fell short of our goal. Now is the time for me, as a leader, to roust the guys, to get under their skin a little bit at practices, get them fired up again. It is also time for me, as captain, to pick up my game and bring new life and a spark to help get us out of our funk. We still have goals to meet and there is still work to be done - by everyone.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

WATERFORD, MI – Matt Stirling was signed by the Metro Jets last summer to be part of a defensive line that would play against the opponent’s top line.

But then a funny thing happened – the line Stirling was put on with Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) and Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) became the Jets’ scoring machine. Heading into this weekend, the trio has accounted for 22 goals – more than one-third of the team’s 51 goals.

“Everything just seemed to click when (Metro head) coach (Jason Cirone) put me with those guys,” said Stirling. “I knew Tommy from my high school days and I was already was good friends with him. I met Moroso when the Jets brought him in. We have had good chemistry as I have got to know them both better and how they both play. Both of these guys have been key to our line’s success so far.”

According to Stirling, being a top point-getter is a role he’s been accustomed to before.

“In the high school days, that's what I was on the team for and what my high school (Dexter (Mich.) High School) expected of me,” explained Stirling. “For this year, however, I just want to do whatever it takes to help the team win. If being a go-to guy for the Jets is what they need, I'll do it, but to me, doing whatever to help the team win is first priority.”

Named an alternate captain this year, Stirling earned the confidence of the coaches even before the season started and that has carried over into the regular season.

“He leads by example with his work ethic,” said Cirone. “The guys see how hard he works and it’s hard not to follow him. He’s a level-headed kid and that’s what you want in a leader. You want a kid that doesn’t get too excited when things are going good and doesn’t get too down when things aren’t going so well. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him this season.”

Stirling wasn’t sure where he would play this season after his high school season ended, but a visit to a game from Jets’ head scout Tim Ross swayed his decision to come to the Jets and play in the Central States Hockey League.

”I didn't know much about the junior leagues coming out of high school,” Stirling said. “I knew I wanted to continue to play hockey after high school and then I met Tim at one of my high school games. Tim was interested in me and later in the year, I signed with the Jets.”

Focused on this season right now, Stirling also has aspirations to keep playing past this year.

”I would like to play at the highest level I can possibly play,” boasted Stirling. “Whether that's the NAHL or higher, I would definitely like to keep playing. Realistically, though, I would like to just keep improving to move on to the next level.

“I just want to take juniors one step at a time and see how far I can go in hockey.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played in the annual CSHL Showcase last weekend at Ice Mountain Arenas in Burton, Mich., and after winning their first game against the host Michigan Mountain Cats, dropped the next three games to see their overall record this season dip to 6-8-0-0.

Mike Denston's goal at 18:23 of the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and the Jets held on to beat the Mountain Cats, 3-2, in the opening game last Friday afternoon.

After a scoreless first period, Moroso scored at 14:09 of the second period to give Metro a 1-0 lead.

Dan Hudson (Gregory, Mich.) tallied 55 seconds into the third period before two straight goals by the Mountain Cats (Daniel Cowan at 10:31 and Trevor Ladd at 12:52) tied the game at 2-all.

That set the stage for Denston's (White Lake, Mich.) heroics.

Robert Schultz finished with 44 saves for Michigan.

The Peoria Mustangs used three power-play goals to snap the Jets' five-game winning streak Saturday morning with a 6-4 win.

Hudson scored twice for the Jets, while Moroso and Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) each had a goal and an assist.

Metro captain Mike Corder (Warren, Mich.) chipped in a pair of assists from the blue line and Trunick finished with 24 saves in net.

Mason Riley recorded two goals and two assists for Peoria, while Nathan Chasteen and Kyle Hamilton each tallied twice and added an assist.

Mike Czupryn made 17 saves for the win between the pipes and Mike Mikulan added two assists.

Metro took a 1-0 lead into the third period Sunday afternoon, but the Mountain Cats scored three in the third to escape with a 3-2 win.

Grech staked the Jets to the early lead at 17:44 of the first period.

After a scoreless second period, Jake Endicott scored the first of his three goals 1:25 into the third period, but Moroso answered for Metro at 5:55.

Endicott then scored two shorthanded goals at 9:24 and 13:38 to give the Mountain Cats the win.

"I give the Mountain Cats credit - they didn't quit and kept coming at us," Cirone said. "That's a sign of a good team and today, the Mountain Cats were also the better team. We played well, just not well enough. Their goalie (Schultz) was outstanding."

For the Jets, Matt Braun (Ramsey, N.J.) made his CSHL debut in goal and finished with 25 saves.

"Matt played very well," added Cirone. "He gives us a good 1-2 punch with Trunick, but Eric is still our No. 1 guy. No question."

Schultz made 42 stops for the Mountain Cats.

Monday afternoon, the Jets completed the CSHL Showcase with a 7-4 loss to Peoria.

Hudson scored twice, Grech and Denston each had a goal and an assist and Tommy Burns (Pinckney, Mich.) tallied three assists in the loss, the Jets’ third straight.

Trunick made 24 saves in net, while Austin Shipaila (Wyoming, Mich.) assisted on Grech’s goal for his first point with the Jets since being acquired from Pittsburgh two weeks ago.

Monday, October 25, 2010

BURTON, MI – The Metro Jets completed the CSHL Showcase this afternoon with a 7-4 loss to the Peoria Mustangs at Ice Mountain Arenas.

Dan Hudson (Gregory, Mich.) scored twice, Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) and Mike Denston (White Lake, Mich.) each had a goal and an assist and Tommy Burns (Pinckney, Mich.) tallied three assists in the loss, the Jets’ third straight.

Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) made 24 saves in net, while Austin Shipaila (Wyoming, Mich.) assisted on Grech’s goal for his first point with the Jets since being acquired from Pittsburgh two weeks ago.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

BURTON, MI - The Metro Jets took a 1-0 lead into the third period Sunday afternoon, but the Michigan Mountain Cats scored three in the third to escape with a 3-2 win on Day 3 of the CSHL Showcase at Ice Mountain Arenas.

Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) staked the Jets to the early lead at 17:44 of the first period.

After a scoreless second period, Jake Endicott scored the first of his three goals 1:25 into the third period, but Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) answered for Metro at 5:55.

Endicott then scored two shorthanded goals at 9:24 and 13:38 to give the Mountain Cats the win.

"I give the Mountain Cats credit - they didn't quit and kept coming at us," Metro head coach Jason Cirone said. "That's a sign of a good team and today, the Mountain Cats were also the better team. We played well, just not well enough. Their goalie (Robert Schultz) was outstanding."

For the Jets (6-7-0-0), Matt Braun (Ramsey, N.J.) made his CSHL debut in goal and finished with 25 saves.

"Matt played very well," added Cirone. "He gives us a good 1-2 punch with (Eric) Trunick, but Eric is still our No. 1 guy. No question."

Schultz made 42 stops for the Mountain Cats.

The Jets wrap-up the showcase at 12:30 p.m. Monday against the Peoria Mustangs.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

BURTON, MI - The Peoria Mustangs used three power-play goals to snap the Metro Jets' five-game winning streak Saturday morning with a 6-4 win on Day 2 of the CSHL Showcase at Ice Mountain Arenas.

Dan Hudson (Gregory, Mich.) scored twice for the Jets (6-6-0-0), while Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) and Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) each had a goal and an assist. Moroso's goal was his team-best ninth of the season and Grech's helper was his team-leading tenth on the year.

Metro captain Mike Corder (Warren, Mich.) chipped in a pair of assists from the blue line and Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) finished with 24 saves in net.

Mason Riley recorded two goals and two assists for Peoria, while Nathan Chasteen and Kyle Hamilton each tallied twice and added an assist.

Mike Czupryn made 17 saves for the win between the pipes and Mike Mikulan added two assists.

The Jets continue the showcase tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. against the Michigan Mountain Cats.

Friday, October 22, 2010

BURTON, MI - Mike Denston's goal at 18:23 of the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and the Metro Jets held on to beat the Michigan Mountain Cats, 3-2, in the opening game of the CSHL Showcase at Ice Mountain Arenas.

WATERFORD, MI – Tommy Kilgore is one of those kids that no matter what he’s doing, he always seems to have a smile on his face.

Even on the ice, where Kilgore is among the top scorers for the Metro Jets, he’s always chatting it up with teammates. In the locker room, he helps keep the players loose and laid-back.

“When we saw him play last season (for Pinckney High School), we knew he had a tremendous skill set and was an all-around good-natured kid,” said Metro GM Butch Wolfe. “Those are the types of kids we want here.”

The Jets drafted the 18-year-old Kilgore in May’s Central States Hockey League draft and he played well at the team’s summer skates and camps. Now, he’s playing on one of the top two lines for the Jets and when he’s not scoring goals (he has five, tied for second on the team), he’s setting up his linemates. Kilgore has seven assists, good for second on the team.

“Tommy has been one of our most consistent players night in and night out,” added Wolfe. “He just goes out there and competes each and every shift. His enthusiasm and work ethic is rubbing off on other guys. Kilgore doesn’t have a letter on his jersey, but he is definitely a leader for us.”

Kilgore is also one of two Pinckney natives on the roster, along with fellow forward Tommy Burns.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro played just one game last weekend, a 7-2 win at home over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution.

Mike Moroso (Macomb , Mich.) and Matt Stirling (Dexter , Mich.) each had two goals and an assist, Burns scored twice, and Brett Grech (Hartland , Mich.) recorded a goal and two assists in the victory, the Jets’ fourth in a row.

Eric Trunick (Commerce Township , Mich.) finished with 32 saves between the pipes to get the Jets back to the .500 mark (5-5-0-0).

Metro scored two power-play goals (Burns and Stirling) and two shorthanded goals (Grech and Moroso 40 seconds apart late in the third period).

This weekend, the Jets head to Ice Mountain Arenas in Burton, Mich., for the annual CSHL Showcase. Metro will play the host Michigan Mountain Cats on Friday (11:00 a.m.) and Sunday (4:00 p.m.) and the Peoria Mustangs on Saturday (10:00 a.m.) and Monday (12:30 p.m.).

JET STREAKS

The Jets acquired defenseman Austin Shipaila (Wyoming , Mich.) from Pittsburgh last Saturday for future considerations. Shipaila, who turns 18 on Nov. 21, had one assist in seven games with the Jr. Penguins before making his Metro debut against Battle Creek … Metro also shipped defenseman Blake Blaha (East Lansing , Mich.) to Battle Creek on Thursday. Blaha was pointless in eight games this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Wylie Rogers, a goaltender on the 2002 Silver Cup national Junior B championship team, has joined the Heerenveen Flyers ( Netherlands ) of the Dutch Elite League.

Rogers, who played with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2002-2003, also played four seasons of CCHA hockey at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (in his hometown of Fairbanks, Ak.) from 2004-2008 and the past two years in the Central Hockey League with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Each week, Metro Jets captain Mike Corder will chime in on the previous weekend, the weekend ahead and the current situation of the team.

-- On Saturday's game being tougher than he thought it would be playing a winless Battle Creek team.

In this league, you have to expect every game and every team to be tough; you can't take any team for granted. In Saturday's game, the first period was rough. We gave them life and with a team like Battle Creek, you can't do that or you will end up being their first franchise victory. Battle Creek was fast in the first period and we learned really quick that we had to keep the pressure on and keep playing hard.

-- On the team's four-game winning streak and how Coach Cirone is keeping the players on an even keel.

We don't let our heads get big, that is for sure, and Coach doesn't let up on us, either. Four in a row feels great, but we know that there is a lot of hockey yet to play this year and we still have a long way to go to reach our goals as a team. Coach doesn't have to do much. We police ourselves pretty well, but I am sure Coach knows how to bring us down a notch if we were to get cocky.

-- On this weekend's CSHL Showcase where the Jets will play four games in four days.

It is a lot of hockey in a short time and I remember how tired I was before game four of the showcase last year! This year, the showcase is earlier in the season and I feel that the team is better prepared for the grind. We are ready to work hard to keep the streak alive. As far as the scouts go, we can't let that distract us from our focus. Our mission is to play good, smart hockey and walk away with eight points from the weekend. The rest will take care of itself.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Jets started of with a very slow first period on Saturday night. Looked like they all came to watch hockey instead of play it.

Coach Cirone, with some help from his assistants, worked to wake the boys up. I was thinking to myself that this is going to be ugly tonight. They got out of the first period still 0-0, but the bench was very quiet as they walked to the locker room.

When the pucked dropped to start the second period, things started to look a little bit better when Moroso scored a quick one. About a minute later the Jets got knocked right back down when Battle Creek answered. This time, the bench seemed to be waking up finally. The guys started talking, there were a few good shifts, and then Burns got a power-play goal then followed it up shortly after with another.

That buzz came back on the bench, everyone was cheering and yelling. The whole bench was revved up. Joe Matyaszek (pictured) really got everyone pumped on the bench with his big hits and non-stop play. Joe would hit the ice and the whole bench would yell, "Yeah, Joe!" I was waiting for them to start chanting.

Battle Creek decided that all they wanted to do was be dirty and try to fight Metro, but Metro stayed very disciplined and for the most part, stayed out of Battle Creek's garbage and played their game. It showed on the scoreboard. The Jets finished strong with the two short-handed goals by Grech and Moroso.

Hopefully, they can keep that momentum into this weekend and keep this win streak alive!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets ran their winning streak to four games with a 7-2 win over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution tonight at Lakeland Arena.

Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) and Matt Stirling (Dexter, Mich.) each had two goals and an assist, Tommy Burns (Pinckney, Mich.) scored twice, and Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) recorded a goal and two assists in the victory.

Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) finished with 32 saves between the pipes to get the Jets back to the .500 mark (5-5-0-0).

Metro scored two power-play goals (Burns and Stirling) and two shorthanded goals (Grech and Moroso 40 seconds apart late in the third period).

Next weekend, the Jets head to Ice Mountain Arenas in Burton, Mich., for the annual CSHL Showcase. Metro will play the host Michigan Mountain Cats on Friday (11:00 a.m.) and Sunday (4:00 p.m.) and the Peoria Mustangs on Saturday (10:00 a.m.) and Monday (12:30 p.m.).

Thursday, October 14, 2010

WATERFORD, MI – Eric Trunick was acquired a month ago from Cleveland to come in and push the other two Metro Jets’ goaltenders for playing time.

One month later and Trunick is firmly entrenched as Metro’s No. 1 goalie and has his team on a three-game winning streak, along with being in goal for all four of Metro’s wins this season. Trunick, however, isn’t about to hog all the credit for the last three wins. Instead, he’d rather talk about the overall team effort.

“I think the biggest key is that our team plays a whole 60 minutes focused on what we need to do,” said Trunick, a Commerce Township, Mich., native who turns 18 on Nov. 15. “We are not trying to take dumb penalties and we are cutting down on the amount of penalties we take, which also helps.

”I feel I have played a pretty good role in the last few wins, but so have plenty of other guys on the team. I think the team is very comfortable with me in the net, so that’s a plus. If we want to keep the wins coming, I’m going to have to step up my role even more when it comes to playing the better teams in the league.”

The goaltending position comes with enough pressure on its own, but in Trunick’s case, tending net for a team that hasn’t had a great deal of success the past few years brings an all-new set of pressures.

”On a game-to-game basis, there is a lot of pressure playing for this team,” said Trunick, who leads the CSHL with 261 saves, is seventh with a .913 save percentage and ninth with a 3.48 goals-against average. “Everybody knows right now that we’re not the team to come in and run over everybody, which means when we come to the rink to play, we’re going to war. There is a lot of extra pressure to the goalie especially on a team like this where every game matters.”

That said, pressure is something Trunick can deal with in leaning on teammates and coaches.

”The chemistry here is great,” said Trunick. “Everyone is getting along well. Even when a new kid arrives, no one is shy to intruduce themselves and make them feel a part of the team. We really have a great thing going here, from the staff to the players.”

When asked what his strengths and weaknesses are, Trunick didn’t hesitate to give the honest truth.

“A good strength I have is that I don’t let a lot of things bother me during a game, whether it’s a goal, trash talking or whatever. I have a wall that blocks everything out to play my game.A weakness I have is that sometimes I don’t stay focused on the puck for the whole 60 minutes, which can sometimes bite me in the butt because the other team could put one in and make it look like I was sleeping.”

Trunick played a bit last season for theMotor City Chiefs (now Michigan Mountain Cats) and played one game for the Jr. Lumberjacks this season before arriving in Waterford. With his third CSHL team in a year, Trunick wants to stay with the Jets for the long haul.

”I do hope Metro is the last team I play for in this league,” said the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Trunick. “I have learned and gained a lot from this league which I’m grateful for, but I think it’s time that I need to step up to the next level. I just hope I leave Metro on a good note with a winning season.

”My goals this season are to really get my numbers up so people have something to look back on and see what I can do. A tender to the NAHL would be nice, but as long as I make an NAHL team or anything else where the hockey is free and highly competitive, I’ll be happy.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets completed a two-game sweep of the Quad City Jr. Flames with a 5-4 win at Lakeland Arena Sunday afternoon and have now won three straight games.

Metro had topped Quad City 4-3 in overtime Saturday night.

Both games, the Jets gave up third period leads, but came back to win each contest.

Sunday afternoon, the Jets (4-5-0-0) used five different goal scorers and 40 saves from Trunick for the win.

Newly-signed Cameron Bazin’s (Troy, Mich.) power-play goal at 13:54 of the third period snapped a 4-4 tie and the Jets held on the rest of the way.

Justin Bennett (Brighton, Mich.) scored 87 seconds into the game for the Jets and then Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) scored four seconds into a power play at 3:25. Quad City’s Kyle Vesling made it a 2-1 game at the 7:16 mark, but Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) restored the two-goal lead with the only goal of the second period at 18:57.

In the third period, Matt Stirling (Dexter, Mich.) made it 4-1 with a goal on the man-advantage at 6:10 and all seemed to be going in the Jets’ favor.

However, Cole Findlay (6:47), Jared Fielden (8:55) and Kody Rodriguez (10:13) all scored for the Jr. Flames in a 3:16 span to bring Quad City all the way back.

That set the stage for Bazin’s goal and a second straight Metro win in dramatic fashion.

Matt Truninger finished with 16 saves through 40 minutes for Quad City before Mike Meadows played the third period and took the loss making six saves on eight shots.

Grech provided the heroics Saturday night with a goal just 31 seconds into overtime to win it after the Jets blew a two-goal lead in the third period.

Metro led 1-0 after one period on a goal by Grech 1:24 into the game.

Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) and Stirling replied in the second period after Quad City captain Jerry Rank had tied the game six minutes into the period.

Anthony Buchal (10:42) and Drake Fisher (12:50) tallied in the third period to knot the game at 3-all, setting up Grech’s goal early in the extra session.

Trunick played well with a 43-save outing in goal, while at the other end, Tanner Jones and Meadows combined for 26 saves. Jones started and was replaced by Meadows for the third period.

Kilgore had two assists for the Jets, including the primary helper on Grech’s game-winner.

The Jets play just one game this weekend, on Saturday night at home against the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution, a team still searching for its first win this season. Game time at Lakeland is 7:50 p.m.

JET STREAKS

Metro released goaltender Allan Dowler (Oxford, Ohio) this week and signed goaltender Matt Braun (Ramsey, N.J.). Braun won an NJSIAA/Devils Public B state championship last season with Ramsey High School, making 40 saves and posting a shutout in the title game …Kilgore, Stirling and Moroso all have five goals to lead the Jets in that category … Prior to their overtime win last Saturday night, the last time Metro won in the extra session was on Nov. 7, 2009, when Josh Magnan’s (Waterford, Mich.) goal 2:05 into overtime beat Grand Rapids, 4-3.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Forward Nick Kenney, a former Jets’ forward whose 66 points led the team in 2006-2007 and was also sixth in CSHL scoring, is entering his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Last year, Kenney, a Wixom, Mich., native, had three goals and three assists in 23 games for the Pointers.

From 2007-2009, Kenney played in the NAHL for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Each week, Metro Jets captain Mike Corder will chime in on the previous weekend, the weekend ahead and the current situation of the team.

-- On the two big wins last weekend, what it means for team confidence this early in the season and playing Battle Creek next weekend - a team that is winless so far.

This weekend was a preview of what is to come. There is still a lot of hockey coming up. We needed this sweep to really build confidence and it was proof that Coach Cirone's style of play works. What I really liked was that in each game, we found a way to come out on top. We almost put together 60 minutes of solid hockey in each game. We need to learn that it creates two times the amount of work even taking one shift off, so it is easier to do it hard the first time and get the job done. As far as Battle Creek is concerned, we can't overlook them. If we do, we will end up being their first franchise win. We need to stay focused and keep getting better each time we step on the ice.

-- On goalie Eric Trunick, who seems to be the goalie the team has lacked the past few seasons.

Eric has been great for us. He came up big on a penalty shot over the weekend and he made some big saves when we left him out to dry. He gives us a chance to win every night, which is what a good goalie does. He is definately a solid goaltender and the team feels confident with him back there.

-- On head coach Jason Cirone being a no-nonsense type of coach.

Coach expects nothing but 110 percent every shift and he makes that 110 percent clear everyday. When he is mad, we know it. Coach is a great guy who has a lot of hockey experience and knowledge. With that being said, it makes it easy to listen to someone who has the kind of background he does. All of the guys like him and respect him. Coach means business and it is starting to reflect on the team. We can all learn a lot from him, and we are.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The overall team attitude (last weekend) seemed to be very positive. Everyone was talking to each other and just seemed to be having fun playing hockey. As always, I try to help by showing the guys a photo of them doing something great. I don't know names yet.

I was very impressed with one of the new guys, #12 (Travis Hargett). After he kinda got worked in his fight (pictured above), he could care less about his tooth being broken and his lip needing a few stitches. All he wanted to know was how he can improve and not get beat again. After cooling down for five minutes, he put his helmet on and went right back on the ice. He didn't care what his face looked like; he had a job to do and wanted to get back out and do it!

The overall morale on the bench going into OT on Saturday was great. You could feel it right off the drop that the Jets were going to pull it off. Everyone went nuts when (Brett) Grech made an incredible move and put the puck between the pipes!

Sunday's bench had an even more relaxed feel until the third period. The boys found themselves a bit too relaxed and looking like they were going to be going into OT again. (Head coach Jason) Cirone made a last-minute line change moving Grech back to 'D' and created the opening for (Cameron) Bazin to put in the game-winner!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets completed a two-game sweep of the Quad City Jr. Flames with a 5-4 win at Lakeland Arena Sunday afternoon and have now won three straight games in Central States Hockey League action.

Metro had topped Quad City 4-3 in overtime Saturday night. Both games, the Jets gave up third period leads, but came back to win each contest.

Sunday afternoon, the Jets (4-5-0-0) used five different goal scorers and 40 saves from goalie Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) for the win. Trunick has earned all four of Metro’s wins this season since being acquired from Cleveland in the second week of the season.

Newly-signed Cameron Bazin’s (Troy, Mich.) power-play goal at 13:54 of the third period snapped a 4-4 tie and the Jets held on the rest of the way.

Justin Bennett (Brighton, Mich.) scored 87 seconds into the game for the Jets and then Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) scored four seconds into a power play at 3:25. Quad City’s Kyle Vesling made it a 2-1 game at the 7:16 mark, but Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) restored the two-goal lead with the only goal of the second period at 18:57.

In the third period, Matt Stirling (Dexter, Mich.) made it 4-1 with a goal on the man-advantage at 6:10 and all seemed to be going in the Jets’ favor.

However, Cole Findlay (6:47), Jared Fielden (8:55) and Kody Rodriquez (10:13) all scored for the Jr. Flames in a 3:16 span to bring Quad City all the way back.

That set the stage for Bazin’s goal and a second straight Metro win in dramatic fashion.

Matt Truninger finished with 16 saves through 40 minutes for Quad City before Mike Meadows played the third period and took the loss making six saves on eight shots.

Grech provided the heroics Saturday night with a goal just 31 seconds into overtime to win it (pictured) after the Jets blew a two-goal lead in the third period.

Metro led 1-0 after one period on a goal by Grech 1:24 into the game.

Mike Moroso (Macomb, Mich.) and Stirling replied in the second period after Quad City captain Jerry Rank had tied the game six minutes into the period.

Anthony Buchal (10:42) and Drake Fisher (12:50) tallied in the third period to knot the game at 3-all, setting up Grech’s goal early in the extra session.

Trunick played well with a 43-save outing in goal, while at the other end, Tanner Jones and Meadows combined for 26 saves. Jones started and was replaced by Meadows for the third period.

Kilgore had two assists for the Jets, including the primary helper on Grech’s game-winner.

The Jets play just one game next weekend, on Saturday night at home against the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution. Game time at Lakeland is 7:50 p.m.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

WATERFORD, MI – Mike Corder epitomized his role as team captain last season so much that when he decided to come back and play his final season of junior hockey with the Metro Jets, the team brass had no problems giving him the ‘C’ for the second straight year.

After all, after a shoulder injury shelved Corder last year, he didn’t sit back and sulk.

It was last October and Corder dropped the gloves with Dubuque captain Ryan Bachman. When the fight was over, Corder sat up on the ice in obvious pain.

“Bachman got the better of me during that fight and I was out for four weeks in a sling,” said Corder, a 20-year-old native of Warren, Mich. “I showed up to practices, the coaches gave me a whistle and I stood behind the bench. I have to say it was a change of scenery that I did not like too much. Instead of having surgery and sitting out six months, I went to physical therapy and came back as soon as the shoulder felt strong enough. It never hurts during practice or a game, or I can't feel it, but it hurts before and after.”

Even when last season ended, Corder thought his competitive hockey career was history.

“After last season, I was unclear as to what I really wanted to do – either play hockey or go to college full-time,” explained Corder. “The more I thought about it, the more my mind was set on going to school. I didn't go to any camps all summer; I had literally hung up my skates. Next thing I knew, the exhibition season was starting. (Jets head) coach (Jason) Cirone called me and got me to come out and play an exhibition game against Flint (which the Jets won, 4-3, with six seconds left) and I got a good feeling about the team and the coaching staff.”

As for wearing the ‘C,’ Corder said he feels humbled by the honor, but it’s not something he sought out to get at the beginning of last year.

“I am just the kind of guy who shows up and punches the clock night in and night out,” Corder said. “I'm not the most vocal, but my philosophy is to lead by example. I know my role as a player and I do my job at 110 percent. I expect my team to meet the standard that I set.”

Showing his team player attributes, Corder said even though Metro has just two wins heading into this weekend, it’s not panic time. In fact, it’s the perfect time to show why he’s the Jets’ captain.

“The season has started off a little slower than we hoped for, but we are showing our potential 10 minutes here, five minutes there,” said Corder. “We all just need to buy in 100 percent to what Coach is trying to teach us and simplify the game. It will take a few games for the young guys to get up to speed and understand the game at this level, but it will happen. I feel some pressure, but it is only the pressure that I put on myself to play at the level I expect for myself. I see that as the best way to lead my team.”

Now with renewed enthusiasm to play hockey as long as he can, Corder also has the mentality that this season may be his swan song. His maturity in dealing with that situation certainly shows another side of Corder’s leadership qualities.

“This is my last year of juniors and I am also prepared that it may be my last season of highly competitive hockey with checking, national championships, stuff like that,” Corder said. “If the right opportunity arose I would be right there to jump on it. Life without hockey isn't life at all, so I am just going to focus on playing as well as I can this season because all I can control is what I do.

“There is no reason to worry about next year yet, there is still work to be done this season. Getting noticed and playing college hockey would be great, preferably Division I, but even if it is Division III, I love hockey and if I can play longer, hey, the longer the better.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets lost at home and won on the road last weekend to push their season record to 2-5-0-0.

Metro faced a 2-1 deficit midway through the second period Sunday afternoon, but scored the next four goals and held on for a 5-3 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats at Canfield Arena.

After a scoreless first period, Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) staked the Jets to a 1-0 lead with his first of two goals just 20 seconds into the second period. Spencer Scahill scored the next two for the Mountain Cats, both on the power play (at 3:32 and 10:29), to give Michigan the lead until Burns scored a goal with the man-advantage at 12:51 to send the Jets into the second intermission tied at 2-all.

In the third period, Stirling tallied at 5:13 and then Dan Hudson (Gregory, Mich.) and Kilgore scored 22 seconds apart at 14:05 and 14:27 to complete the comeback.

Aaron Teal scored a late goal for Michigan at 18:11.

For the Jets, Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) earned the win in goal with a 21-save performance. Trunick has been in goal for both of Metro's wins this season.

Brett Grech (Hartland, Mich.) added two assists for the Jets.

Schuyler Ferguson took the loss for the Mountain Cats, but did make 27 saves in the game.

The Jets host the Quad City Jr. Flames this weekend for a two-game series at Lakeland Arena. Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m. with a 1:20 p.m. puck drop set for Sunday afternoon.

JET STREAKS

Moroso and Kilgore share the team lead in goals with four apiece … Rookie defenseman Ian Costello (Lansing, Mich.) made his season debut last weekend after being out the first month with a severely lacerated arm and shoulder … The Jets added goalie Alfonse Kolis (Howell, Mich.) and forward Cameron Bazin (Troy, Mich.) this week. Goalie Mitchel Leist (White Lake, Mich.) was released.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Goalie Colin Greeley, who played in Waterford during the 2008-2009 season as a 16-year-old, is now with the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Greeley, a Howell native drafted by the Saginaw Spirit in the fourth round of the 2008 Ontario Hockey League draft, also attended the United States Hockey League Combine this past summer.

In Leamington, Greeley currently has a 4-3-0 record with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

DEARBORN, MI - The Metro Jets faced a 2-1 deficit midway through the second period Sunday afternoon, but scored the next four goals and held on for a 5-3 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats at Canfield Arena.

After a scoreless first period, Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) staked the Jets to a 1-0 lead with his first of two goals just 20 seconds into the second period. Spencer Scahill scored the next two for the Mountain Cats, both on the power play (at 3:32 and 10:29) to give Michigan the lead until Tommy Burns (Pinckney, Mich.) scored a goal with the man-advantage at 12:51 to send the Jets into the second intermission tied at 2-all.

In the third period, Matt Stirling (Dexter, Mich.) tallied at 5:13 and then Dan Hudson (Gregory, Mich.) and Kilgore (14:27) scored 22 seconds apart at 14:05 and 14:27 to complete the comeback.

Aaron Teal scored a late goal for Michigan at 18:11.

For the Jets (2-5-0-0), Eric Trunick (Commerce Township, Mich.) earned the win in goal with a 21-save performance. Trunick has been in goal for both of Metro's wins this season.

Schuyler Ferguson took the loss for the Mountain Cats, but did make 27 saves in the game.

The Jets host the Quad City Jr. Flames next weekend for a two-game series at Lakeland Arena. Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m. with a 1:20 p.m. puck drop set for Sunday afternoon.

Jon Cooper, the head coach who led the Metro Jets to the 2002 Silver Cup Junior B national championship, was featured in today's Lansing State Journal in an extensive article by Neil Koepke.

Cooper only coached in Waterford one season, but that season was used as a springboard to head coaching jobs in the NAHL and USHL and now, the AHL. He never coached a college program, but is instead one short step from the NHL as he is behind the bench of the Norfolk Admirals, the top affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.